Having the know-how and capabilities of transplanting an organ is an incredible medical breakthrough. The first successful kidney transplant was conducted in 1954, since then surgeons have learned how to successfully transplant almost every organ in the human body (Clemmons, 2009). People are able to add years to their life now because the medical field is able to conduct such remarkable procedures. However, in order for a patient to receive a healthy organ they must be matched with a compatible donor who is willing to donate their organ in an altruistic manner. The United States passed a law in 1984 called the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) which prohibits the purchasing of human organs. The only method of organ donation allowed is the altruistic method, which means a person donates their organs or consents to the donation of a loved one’s …show more content…
In other words, they donate out of the kindness of their heart. Receiving monetary incentives for an organ is against the law. Almost every nation in the world has outlawed the practice of selling and buying body organs with the exception of Iran. The reason for the law is to prevent poor people from being exploited and some find the practice of selling body organs to be quite unethical. However, the altruistic method has not helped with meeting the demand for life saving organs. Ever since beginning of organ transplantation there has been a much greater demand and not enough supply. The idea that the only approach towards organ donations is through altruism, has led to having a huge gap between the need for organs and the supply of organs, it has caused individuals to